College of Health, Education, and Human Development
Student Services Spotlight
Project: The Student Affairs Study Abroad Program
School: Eugene T. Moore School of Education
Unit: Department of Leadership, Counselor Education, Human and Organizational Development and the Division of Student Affairs at Clemson University
Students: Angie Boyd, Laura Garland, Kristen Retallick
We recently participated in the Clemson University study abroad tour to Scotland sponsored by the Department of Leadership, Counselor Education, Human and Organizational Development and the Division of Student Affairs at Clemson
University
from July 17-28, 2006. Thirty-seven individuals representing 13 institutions participated in the tour. This three credit course was designed for graduate students and professionals in student affairs or a related field. We had the opportunity to tour five universities, which included the University of Glasgow, The University of Glasgow Caledonian, the University of St. Andrews,
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the University of Edinburgh, and Napier University. In addition, we were also able to visit a variety
of cultural sites in the cities of Glasgow, St. Andrews, Edinburgh, and the countryside.
We would highly recommend other graduate students or professionals with an interest in student affairs to participate in this program. We learned about higher education systems in Scotland and other parts of the United Kingdom. Exchanging ideas with students and professionals representing institutions both in Scotland and the United States was another highlight of the trip.
To have the opportunity to travel abroad to Scotland was truly a life-altering learning adventure!
Of course we were able to experience the Scottish culture and learn their perspective on higher education, but we were also fortunate enough to have direct contact with Scottish University students and talk about many different issues. I believe it is vitally important that American college students develop a deeper understanding of the diversities that distinguish different cultures around the world. One of the best ways to appreciate a culture is to live, work, and study with them.
Although we were in Scotland a very short time, we all developed a love for international study and the Scottish people. We had an amazing group from all around the U.S. that participated on this study abroad. By bringing together people with different backgrounds, different ideas, and different life experiences, we were able to learn and grow just by interacting with each other. It is hard to describe all of the breathtaking and exciting experiences we had while in Scotland. The trip was absolutely amazing and I highly recommend it to everyone. If anyone ever has the chance to travel internationally or to study abroad, don’t let that opportunity go by!
Upon arriving at Glasgow Airport, our group was greeted by a sign that said, “Welcome to best small country in the World.” At first, many of us didn’t know whether to believe this statement; however, it did not take long for us to agree! 
From its breath-taking scenery and rich history, to its quaint villages, bustling cities, and friendly citizens, Scotland proved to exceed all of our expectations. We gained a wealth of knowledge about Scotland’s higher education system. Although there were multiple differences between Scottish and American universities, one of the similarities we noticed was the great level of genuine care and concern that student affairs professionals employ when serving their students. Through the numerous opportunities we had to engage in formal and informal conversation with the Scottish student affairs professionals, we learned they deal with many of the same issues that we deal with in the States. Alcohol abuse, “helicopter parents,” development, tuition increases, student retention and satisfaction are some to name a few. This trip taught us all about the great value that comes with collaboration. We look forward to keeping in touch with our new contacts oversees and hope that they will come visit Clemson in the near future so we can return the favor!
One of the greatest results of this trip was the opportunity it offered us to network with other student affairs graduate students and professionals from across the United States. It’s amazing how quickly you connect with others when you’re put in a traveling situation. By traveling from place to place by chartered bus, sightseeing and sharing meals together, as well as just hanging out in the hotel lobby at night, we had many opportunities to talk about our personal experiences and perspectives relating to higher education and student affairs. Although we came from a diverse group of institutions, we could relate a lot to each others experiences. We definitely left Scotland with many new friends and colleagues that we will cross paths with throughout the rest of our professional lives.